AARC-ODLC-ODMC-Outdoor-Fiber-Cable-Assembly
Whether your fiber needs to go underground, to the headend or to an outdoor (OSP) cabinet, we have the right solution for you. Our indoor/outdoor pre-terminated fiber optic cables eliminate the 50 foot fire code requirement traditionally found with outdoor (OSP) cable, making them suitable for a wide range of installations.
Harsh Environment Cable Assemblies
Designed with industrial communications in mind, these harsh environment assemblies are fully compliant with Open Device Vendor Association (ODVA) standards. They are the ideal solution for industrial, Fiber-to-the-Antenna and other harsh environment fiber applications.
These rugged heavy-duty assemblies have 2 – 4 pin/contacts and offer electrical ratings up to 30 Amps / 600V AC/DC. The cable is available in standard sizes of 10, 12 & 14 AWG and can be terminated to your specification. The mating panel is made from a choice of either TPE or aluminum.
Assemblies that are subject to harsh environments will need to be ruggedized to ensure they perform as expected and meet end-use application requirements. This can include factors such as temperature, chemical exposure, abrasion and vibration. There are many options to consider when designing a rugged cable assembly including conductor materials and stranding design, strength members, insulation, shielding and jacket materials.
For example, when designing a rugged cable for use in hot or cold temperatures, the choice of conductor material and stranding design will have an impact on the temperature range the conductors can withstand. Bare copper is prone to corrosion in these conditions, so it is typically coated with tin or other metals to retard this corrosion and allow the conductors to be used reliably at higher temperatures.
Another factor to consider is whether the harsh environment assembly will be exposed to abrasion or vibration, as these applications may require the cable to be flexible. Strength members can help preserve cable integrity and enable the assembly to withstand abrasion or vibration by adding stiffness to the assembly. There are many different strength member materials to choose from, including polypropylene rods that add push and pull strength, fiberglass that offers compressive and tensile strength, or nylon that resists heat.
Indoor/Outdoor Cable Assemblies
Many industries use wire harnesses, but cable assemblies provide higher-level protection for wires and cables. They can shield them from high heat, humidity and friction with one another or other elements in the environment. Cable assemblies are ideal for outdoor applications, such as connecting two buildings, or deploying long-distance fiber optic connections.
Our pre-terminated indoor/outdoor fiber cable assembly is a perfect example of this type of cable. It is designed to support today’s data needs and meet tomorrow’s advancing network requirements, as it provides a flexible solution for a wide range of applications. Our cable is also riser rated, aarc-odlc-odmc-outdoor-fiber-cable-assembly so it can be used inside building structures without the 50 foot fire code restriction that typically applies to outside plant (OSP) cables.
While a wire harness simply gathers individual wires and cables together, a cable assembly wraps the wires or cables in an external jacket or sleeve. As a result, the finished product looks and works like a single thick wire. This provides better protection for the components by keeping them snug and eliminating any unneeded movement or friction that could wear out the materials.
The addition of an outer shell also protects the fibers from damage and improves their durability, which is especially important for long-distance connections. It also makes them suitable for environments that are susceptible to moisture, temperature changes and UV exposure.
Pre-Terminated Cable Assemblies
Pre-terminated cable assemblies have connectors installed at the factory, making them ready to install upon arrival. This saves installer time and eliminates the need for costly splicing equipment. It also eliminates the risk of poor connections, as factory terminations are performed under clean room conditions with strict cleaning and testing protocols.
Field-terminated cables require connectors to be installed on site during the installation process. This can be a labor-intensive and time-consuming process, and the quality of the connections may be affected by the skill level of the installer.
There are two main types of wire / contact terminations: crimp and solder. Crimp termination is accomplished with automated machinery and provides reliable terminations Fiber Optic assemblies using stranded conductors. Solder termination allows for more flexibility in the use of conductor sizes, but requires more specialized tools and labor to reliably terminate.
Our pre-terminated assemblies are built to your specified length and include a pulling sheath for installation through conduit or raceways. They are shipped on a triple flange spool to protect the connectors at each end and provide stability when unwound during installation. For long runs, a protective outer jacket or custom overmold can be added for additional protection against bend relief and cable damage. Outdoor rated variants of these assemblies are also available to be used in direct burial applications.
Clearfield Outside Plant Cable Assemblies
Clearfield Outside Plant Cable Assemblies are designed to withstand harsh environments with a range of operating temperatures. They are ideal for manufacturing areas, unprotected communication closets and small central offices. They can be used indoor/outdoor and are OFNR rated with fungus, water and UV protection. They provide a cost-effective solution for low to mid-fiber count applications.
ClearField’s YOURx terminal product line minimizes splicing in the outside plant with a pre-connectorized closure. Yourx eliminates the need for splicing downstream of the closure and provides a more cost-effective alternative to traditional fiber distribution network architectures.
In addition to splicing FTTH drop cables in the NID, YOURx can also be used for fiber jumper installations or for transitioning into the inside plant. YOURx offers multiple options including a multi-port, splice only or patch only enclosure, all with the ability to support up to 36 mass fusion splices.
Clearfield’s StrongFiber pre-connectorized assemblies are a quick, easy and tech-friendly way to install fiber in the field. Upon deployment, one or both ends are pushed into the FieldShield ruggedized microduct, and connectors are snapped together in seconds. The assembly can be deployed on a pole mount, in a pull box or as part of an aerial deployment.
Clearfield’s MPO fiber cable assemblies are manufactured to tight specifications that exceed industry standards. They are ideally suited for use in carrier networks, private networks and data centers. Their high-performance MPO design delivers a low insertion loss and return loss.